Experts Tell: Top Jobs And Best Moves For Class Of 2000/2001

Ebony, Jan, 2001 by Kimberly Davies

DR. HOOD: Clinical medicine, administrative/ financial aspects of medicine, and medical research. In all of these fields, there is a significant need for African Americans to become more involved because expertise in all of the fields are necessary to impact positive change in health care, particularly in the African-American community. With the changing economics that has taken place in medicine, more physicians need to be in policy and administrative medical positions, as well as research, because there are many opportunities for African-Americans. Unfortunately, there are insufficient numbers of African-Americans who are preparing themselves for careers in medical research. The medical researchers will be on the cutting edge of the new frontiers of medicine, such as finding HIV and biogenetic solutions. As an even greater incentive, all of these fields potentially offer a generous compensation package.

MALVEAUX: The career really depends on individuals and what drives them and what they're committed to. If they're interested in banking or financial markets, pursue a career in investment banking, brokering or becoming a financial advisor.

For marketing, pursue strong consumer-based companies; they can become strong brand managers. If they're just looking for hot industries, take a strong look at information technology and that whole industry segment. I also suggest that they look at health care, pharmaceuticals, and service providers to the education industry. The issues that are key and important in America and globally are the industries that they should be investigating. As America ages, services and care for the elderly is going to become a growing industry.

The Internet has become a major tool and a major communications vehicle. There's a huge demand for individuals who have skills in information technology, and a shortage of talent has driven up salary ... The two [fulfillment and compensation] are not exclusive. There are a host of jobs and services that don't pay a lot of money but provide rewarding careers.

DR. SCOTT: One, I would say, is dentistry because of supply and demand. Fewer dentists graduated in 2000 than in 1970. Of course, there are fewer African-American dentists. The African-American community needs more dentists and the general population needs more dentists ... It's also a good idea to have a background in general business: It gives you such a good base for so many different things to have a good business sense. You never can learn enough about business.

SIMMONS: Computer technology does offer some financial opportunities ... But I also think that combining a law degree with finance would offer that opportunity, because you're taught to think and reason. As a lawyer you have the ability to help people, while at the same time you have the ability to make money. It's personally fulfilling when you're doing something for someone else.

SMITH: The top three fields are: First, family financial planning to create generational wealth because African Americans are poised to reap the benefits of a democratic capitalist society. Second, health care management because the "baby boom" generation is here. Everyone is born, has at least one major illness, pursues good health and dies. We should experience these natural events with dignity and at reasonable costs. Third, e-commerce as related to quality of life, allowing more spare time for individual interest and family activities.